Lawrence Parks and Recreation

Advisory Board Meeting Minutes

March 10, 2015

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:  

Vice Chair, Sue Hack, Kevin Loos, Joe Caldwell and Andy Clayton

 

 

MEMBERS ABSENT:  

Chair LaRisa Chambers

 

 

STAFF PRESENT: 

Ernie Shaw, Tim Laurent, Jimmy Gibbs, Mark Hecker, Roger Steinbrock, Gayle Sigurdson

GUESTS:

Chad Lawhorn; Erica Anderson

 

 

I.             Meeting called to order by Vice Chair Hack

 

II.           Approval of February 10th, 2015, minutes by Loos, and seconded by Caldwell. 

 

III.         Concerns of Board – Caldwell inquired if there would be any interest in inviting Mark Kern, who would like to partner with the City on overnight basketball tournaments, to a future meeting.  The board indicated it would be a great idea. Caldwell said he would follow up and see if next month would work for Kern.  Clayton inquired about posting open play signage for the turf areas at SPL.  Laurent replied some signage has been posted but staff will need to revisit open play hours and determine fixed times.  Loos was pleased with the schedule for the recreational basketball this past season and past concerns were addressed.  Loos inquired about the decision to eliminate coach pitch and using machine pitch in the divisions of UA.  Laurent responded utilizing machine pitch will provide more consistency of pitches and speed up play.  Loos commented on publicizing changes made to baseball divisions.  Laurent replied notification could be sent to coaches making them aware of any future changes.                

 

IV.         Gayle Sigurdson – 50+Lifelong Programming updates

Sigurdson reported the first Spring session has just ended, 80 percent of the scheduled classes took place.  A survey was complete with over 400 responses.  We’ve partnered with several organizations which in turn eliminated the cost for instructors.  A newsletter has been created and is distributed quarterly.  A new website is currently under construction with links to the classes that are available.      

 

V.           Rock Chalk Park/ Sports Pavilion Lawrence – Operations update

Laurent reported keycards distributed to-date is 18,000.  Attendance for February was 74,000.  The Bobcat 5K Run will be held on Saturday, April 4.  The run is co-sponsored by the Langston Hughes Bobcat Marathon Club.

 

         I.      Enrollment report

Steinbrock shared a report indicating enrollment numbers over the past 5 years. 

Attach report

VI.         Staff reports

                                     i.    Recreation/Golf Revenue/Expense Report – Reports are being updated and will be on April agenda.

  

                                    ii.    Parks/Projects Report – Hecker reviewed the list of projects.  In the process of compiling photos to attach with the projects that are listed.  Hecker has asked the committee to review the projects and assist in prioritizing. 

 

                                   iii.    Marketing Report – Steinbrock reported a grant application for NRPA Nutrition Education was submitted.  The grant is similar to the grant we received in 2012.  We could receive upwards of $25,000 and it would be applied to the feeding program and supplies.  The summer feeding program is run in cooperation with USD497 and KState Extension Office.  An application for Playful City USA City will be submitted at the end of the month.  A cover story is in the works for the new Activity guide.  Interviewed several walkers who utilize the track at SPL.  

 

X.       Other – Erica Anderson introduced herself, she is the new Health Promotion Specialist with the Lawrence Douglas County Health Department.  Encouraging and educating organizations and departments on e-cigarettes and adopting a policy prohibiting tobacco products not only in the indoor areas but also outdoors areas.

          

 

Meeting adjourned.  Next Advisory Board meeting scheduled for noon, Tuesday, April 14th, 2015, Parks and Recreation Conference Room located at South Park Administration Office.